"I expect Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts to be the centres - they've been terrific together on this tour - and I expect to see Gethin Jenkins at loosehead prop, with Ugo Monye on the left wing."

The Lions have reeled off six successive wins on the way towards an eagerly-awaited opening Springboks showdown.

But the tour's business end is about to commence, with recent history suggesting the Lions are up against it, having gone six games without a Test win stretching back to when they beat Australia in Brisbane eight years ago.

Edwards added: "The Lions will be so proud to be unbeaten on this tour, but they will also be aware they haven't reached their best.

"There have been a couple of games so far when it could have gone either way, but the reality now is they know they have to raise the bar.

"I remember the 1968 South Africa tour. We only lost one provincial match to a very good Transvaal team, but when it came to the Tests, we lost 3-0, with one draw.

"It's only the Tests that matter - they are what make that mark in the sand.

"A lot is said about the Springboks perhaps being undercooked (they haven't played a Test since November). By contrast, the Lions have been building up intensity.

"At some point, someone will take control of a moment in the game that makes a difference - someone will have that effect on the game."